Lauren Samuels

Review: WICKED at The Paramount Theatre

Dear Readers, something struck me last night while watching the juggernaut musical “Wicked”, currently playing at the Paramount Theatre. No, it wasn’t a flying monkey. It’s just how incredible this show is. It’s withstood the test of time ever since it’s Broadway premiere back in 2003 even though it didn’t win the Tony for Best Musical (that year it went to “Avenue Q”). It’s still running on Broadway, there have been tour after tour, and now we even have a huge blockbuster movie version coming to theaters in a few weeks. But why? For that answer I think we should take a look at this current run which, while not my favorite viewing of the show, still exemplifies what makes this show great.

Review: WICKED at Keller Auditorium

WICKED is always worth watching. If you haven’t seen it yet, or even if you have, don't miss this fantastic production.

Review: WICKED at Orpheum Theatre

What did our critic think of WICKED at Orpheum Theatre? Read our full review.

Review: Thank Goodness for WICKED at Mirvish's Princess of Wales Theatre

The North American tour of the hit Broadway Musical WICKED has finally returned to Toronto and whether you have seen it before or are experiencing it for the first time, this current cast has something very special to offer!

Interview: Austen Danielle Bohmer and Lauren Samuels on Bringing WICKED to Toronto

From June 5th until July 24th, the touring production of the hit Broadway Musical WICKED will be at Mirvish’s Princess of Wales Theatre. For over 20 years now, the songs, comedy, message, and heart of this musical have been captivating audiences with 'The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz.' Broadway World had the opportunity to chat with leads Austen Danielle Bohmer and Lauren Samuels about what it is like joining this juggernaut of a show, adjusting to life on tour, getting to be in WICKED at the same time that the much anticipated movie comes out, and what this show, these characters, and their powerful friendship means to them. 

Photos: First Look at the New Cast of the National Tour of WICKED

The National Tour of WICKED recently welcomed new cast members beginning performances Tuesday, May 7 at The Bushnell in Hartford, CT. Check out all new photos of the cast here!

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 10, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 10, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Lauren Samuels, Austen Danielle Bohmer & More to Join WICKED Tour

The national tour of Wicked is welcoming new cast members. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!

Interview: Sandro Monetti Anxious To Have A VERY DIE HARD CHRISTMAS

Jeff Schell and The Habit’s A Very Die Hard Christmas opens December 10, 2023 at Theatre 40. Celebrating the film’s 35th anniversary, Sandro Monetti directs this musical parody with the cast of Nick Versteeg, Lauren Samuels, Jesse Merlin, Raymund King, Nick Bredosky, and Theatre 40 favorites Roslyn Cohn, Joe Clabby and Kristal Dickerson. Sandro graciously made it a priority to promptly answer a few of my queries.

A VERY DIE HARD CHRISTMAS Opens December 10 At Theatre 40

A Very Die Hard Christmas, a musical, opens at Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills. Written by Jeff Schell and The Habit, with additional dialogue by Sandro Monetti. Directed by Sandro Monetti.

BYMT's New Music Theatre Award Open for Applications

Applications are now open for British Youth Music Theatre's 2024 New Music Theatre Award.

Dee Dee Sorvino Makes Cabaret Debut at American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood

Emmy-winning actress and comedian Dee Dee Sorvino made her cabaret debut at American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood. This special fundraising event, in honor of her late husband Paul Sorvino, featured performances by Broadway star Rex Smith and actor/musician John Schneider.

Photos: The Hollywood Museum Presents An Acting Animals Tribute Exhibit

On the evening of April 6th, in advance of “NATIONAL PET DAY,” (April 11th), Founder/President of the Hollywood Museum, Donelle Dadigan, hosted a tribute exhibit to Acting Animals. See photos from the event.

Lauren Samuels, Patrick Ortiz, Norman Large & More to Lead FOR A MOMENT IN TIME at the Garry Marshall Theater

'For a Moment in Time' will have a debut reading for producers on March 17 at the Garry Marshall Theater in Burbank, California.

British Youth Music Theatre Announces Spring/Summer 2023 Season

​​​​​​​The UK's leading new musical theatre company for young people 11-21 years old has announced their 2023 season of Easter & Summer performances led by new Chief Executive and Creative Director Emily Gray, who has ensured the voices and ideas of BYMT's Young Company Panel are at the heart of the programme choices. This new season is filled with brand new musicals, returning BYMT favourites, and dance led work.

Variety Stage Line Up Announced For Gaiety Musical Theatre Festival

Gaiety Musical Theatre Festival, the UK's first ever outdoor festival dedicated to all things stagey, has announced the stellar Variety Stage line up.  The stage will see a wide range of musical performances, including West End stars, all-new musicals and choirs.  Gaiety Festival will feature three stages, the Main Stage with West End superstar headliners, the Community Bandstand, which is supported by NODA and will showcase local midlands talent, and the Variety Stage.  

British Youth Music Theatre Announces Winner of New Music Theatre Award 2023

British Youth Music Theatre, in partnership with The New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, has announced Lewis Cornay as the winner of the New Music Theatre Award 2023.

Gaiety Musical Theatre Festival Teams Up with The Theatre Cafe in April 2023

The highly anticipated Gaiety Musical Theatre Festival, the first outdoor music festival dedicated to musical theatre in the UK, is teaming up with The Theatre Cafe for its launch in April 2023.

BYMT's New Music Theatre Award Opens For Applications

British Youth Music Theatre, in partnership with The New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, has announced the applications are now open for the 2023 New Music Theatre Award. The award seeks to find and support exciting new voices in UK Music Theatre, giving them a platform to develop a brand-new piece to full production with the young people of the BYMT company.

Gaiety Musical Theatre Festival is Launching in April 2023

The highly anticipated Gaiety Musical Theatre Festival is launching in April 2023 at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire.  Following its postponement in 2022, this one-of-a-kind epic multi-stage festival will bring together some of the biggest West End and Broadway stars for a day packed with musical theatre performances and experiences.